Film record selecting and projecting device



March 15, 1949. R. c. DUNCAN EI'AL 2,464,220

FILM RECORD SELECTING AND PROJECTING DEVICE Filed April 28, 1945 7Sheets-Sheet 1 H E I68 I i H, II I I gwue/wiow Eli-Duncan 13M HicksMWLCXWW March 15, 1949. R. c, DUNCAN EIAL 2,464,220

FILM RECORD SELECTING AND PROJECTING DEVICE Filed April 28, 1945 7Sheets-Sheet 2 R. CfDuncan 4 4+ zammeks March 15, 1949. R. c. DUNCANEIAL 6 20 FILM RECORD SELECTING AND PROJECTING DEVICE Filed April 28,1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Mag-ch 15, 1949. R. c. DUNCAN ETAL 2,464,220

FILM RECORD SELECTING AND PROJECTING DEVICE Filed April 28, 1945 '7Sheets-Sheet 4 gwua/whow 18 R. 0. Duncan 1% R.M-Hicks March 15, 1949. R.c. DUNCAN EIAL 2,464,220

FILM RECORD SELECTING AND PROJECTING DEVICE Filed April 28, 1945 I 7Sheets-Sheet 5 R. c. DUNCAN EI'AL 2,464,220

March 15, 1949.

FILM anconn SELECTING AND PROJECTING mzvxcz:

Filed April 28, 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 3 1 vuc/wliow R. 05D unmn JzMHwksIIllIlIIIIIIIII/V/ll FILM RECORD SELECTING AND PROJECTING DEVICE FiledApril 28, 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 IBI I I9 20! -96 j I V I I 2 lit La HOV.AC- I 9 7 a '98 gwue/wfowx I R. (iDuncan RMHwhs Patented Mar. 15, 1949FILM ascoan sausc'rmo AND raorac'rmo navrca Robert C.Dunean, ChevyChase)! and Baymondhlllieks, washlngtomkc.

Application April as, ms, Serial No. states Claims. (01. 88-24)(GrantedundertheactofMarch3,l883,as amended April 30, 1928; 370 0. G.757) This invention relates to a record selecting device and moreparticularlyv to a device for selecting a desired portion oi a microfilmfor inspection of an enlarged projected imagethereon.

It has been found desirable to record the numerous files of records,report's, census documents, and the like, on a microfilm whereby theserecords may be preserved in capsule form by winding a considerablelength of the microfilm on a reel. When it is desired to inspect thisfilm. the film is usually inserted within a projector and enlargedimages of the records corresponding to frames on the film are movedsuccessively into a display position by turning a crank until thedesiredrecord is found. In the devices heretofore employed for this purpose itis, of course, necessary to move the film slowly in order that each ofthe images formed by the successive frames of the film may be inspectedsufilciently to locate the desired record and, in the case of a filmhaving a thousand frames thereon, for example, it will be readilyunderstood that the selection of a particular record may consumeconsiderable time, particularly if the film is moved at such a rate asto cause the selected film to pass the displayposition without beingdetected or fail to be detected while passing through the displayposition through inadvertence or carelessness on the part of theoperator. Furthermore, the selection of a particular frame inthe manualdevices heretofore employed for selecting a desired frame for display isa time-consuming and tedious operation. i

In accordance with the present invention these difiiculties are overcomeby providing a device for When all of the desired synchronous relationbetween the moving mlcrofilm and the selector mechanism.

Another object is to move the film selectively in either direction froma predetermined selected position to another selected position.

Still another object is the provision of new and improved means fordecelerating the rate of movement of the film just prior to the movementof a selected'frame thereof into the display position, whereby theselected frame does not move past the display position before coming torest.

A further object is the provision of new and improved means formaintaining the film in continuous motion after movement thereof hasbeen initiated, until the desired frame has been selected.

A still further object is the provision of a device for selecting aparticular frame in a microfilm which is strong, durable, economical tomanufacture, and the desired qualities of reliability in operation.

Still other objects, advantages and improvements will be apparent fromthe following description, taken in connection with the accom- D nyingdrawings, in which:

Fig. 1- is a view in front elevation of the device in accordance with apreferred embodiment thereof;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially centrally of thedevice and showing certain portions of the device in elevation;

Fig. 3 is aview of the device taken substantially along the line 1-: ofFig. 2;

frames on the film have been selected, the film Fig. 4 is a view takenalong the line H of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a view in section taken along the line 5-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the device;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the selector mechanism taken along theline 7-1 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a detail view of one of the drums and associated frictionspring employed with eac of the reel shafts;

Fig. '9 is a view taken along the line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the film'driving and reversing mechanismtaken along the line il-ll of Fig. 6;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the selecting and aeoaoao motor controlmechanism viewed from the rear, partially broken away, when the selectordial and clutch release knob are in the initial position shown in Fig.1;

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. ll outwith the arm controlled by theselector dial moved to a selecting position and the motor control switchin a closed position;

.Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 12 showing the motor control switchin the open position as the film moves into a selected position; and

Fig. 14 shows in diagrammatic form a complete circuit arrangementsuitable for use with the device.

Referring now to the drawings for a morecomplete understanding of theinvention, on which like numerals of reference are employed to designatelike parts throughout the several views and more particularly to Fig. 1thereof, there is shown thereon a microfilm projector and selectorindicated generally by the numeral l6, comprising a casing ii having aninclined portion l2 and a panel portion i3. The inclined portion l2 ofthe casing is. provided with an aperture in which is disposed aprojection screen M of material suitable for the purpose such, forexample, as frosted glass, and arranged within a metal frame l5 securedto the casing as by a retaining member l6 and screws N, Fig. 2.

The casing it also includes a base or plate IE to which is secured aplate I9 as by the bolts 2!, Fig. 5. The casing is adapted to be closedby a rear cover 22 secured thereto as by screws 23.

The casing l I also comprises a shelf or ledge 24 to which is secured asby the support 25 a projector designated generally by the numeral 26 ofany type suitable for the purpose, comprising a lens assembly includinga focusing mount 21, Figs. 2 and 4, adjustably supported within abracket 28 secured to the support 25 by the screws 29. The projectoralso includes a lamp housing 3i within which is arranged a projectorlamp 32 adapted to be energized by a flow of current through theconnecting cord 33. The support 25 is also provided with a pair ofbearings 34 having a pair of reel holder shafts 35 rotatably arrangedtherein. Each of the shafts 35 is provided with a squared portion 36adapted to receive and support a reel 31 or 38, as the case may be, andprovided with a looped pulley '39 adapted to impart rotative movementthereto.

There is also secured to each of the shafts 35 a disc or drum 4|, Figs.8 and 9, adapted to be frictionally engaged by a spring 42 preferablyhaving a bent over portion 43 secured to the support 25 as by the rivets44.

There is also secured to the support 25 as by the screws 45 a filmsupport 46 having an aperture 41 therein in alignment with the axis ofthe optical system of the projector. Pivotally supported on the support25 as by the bearing screw 48 is a film guide arm 49 having a flatportion comprising the film support 59 and adapted to be urged intoengagement with the complementary film support 46 by a spring 52 inregistered engagement with the tab 53 formed on the arm 49. Each of thefilm supporting members 46 and 50 is provided with film guide grooves5|, Fig. 2, the member 50 being additionally provided with an aperture54 of substantially the same size as the aperture 41 within the member46. Within each of the apertures 46 and 41 is preferably arranged aglass optical flat or plate thereby to maintain the selected frame in afocused position when the film guide arm 49 is in engagement with thefilm support 46. The arm 49 is also provided with a bearing support 55.Figs. 4 and 10, to which is secured as by the screw 56 a roller 61 ofmaterial suitable for the purpose such, for example, as rubber, thesupport 55 being secured to the arm 49 in any suitable manner as by thescrews 59. There is also pivotally secured to the support 25 as by thebearing pin 59 a cam member 64 adapted to be moved downwardly from theposition shown on Fig. 4 and thereby to move the arm 49 to a releaseposition. A pair of guide rollers 62 are also secured to the support 25as by a pair of screws 63 and adapted to be engaged by the microfilm 64and guide the film as the film is fed from the reel all to the reel 38,or vice versa.

As best shown on Fig. 10 a film feed shaft 65 is journaled within thesupport 25 and a bearing support 66 secured thereto by the screws 61.Secured to an end portion of the shaft 65 as by key 68 and nut 69 is afilm feed roller ll composed of material having a high frictioncharacteristic and small compressibility such, for example, as mediumhard rubber or any of the synthetic varieties thereof possessing thedesired quality whereby the microfilm 64 is adapted to be moved ineither direction and metered by the roller 1 I. There is also rotatablymounted on the shaft 65 a pair of pulleys I2 and 13 connected by thebelts l4 and 15 to the pulleys 39 associated with the reels 3'! and 38,respectively. Each of the pulleys l2 and 13 is provided with a pluralityof ratchet teeth 76 and H respectively and adapted to be engaged by theclutch member 18 selectively in accordance with the direction ofrotation of the shaft 65. A clutch member 18 is slideably mounted on anenlarged portion 19 of the shaft 65 and adapted to move axially withrespect thereto, rotational movement between the clutch member and theshaft being prevented by a pin 8| passing through the shaft 65 andengaging a pair of diametrically disposed key ways 82 within the clutchmember 18. By including an enlarged portion 19 on the shaft 65 in themanner disclosed, an arrangement is provided for maintaining the pulleysl2 and 13 in predetermined axial spaced relation such that the clutchmember L8 is in engagement with one or the other of the pulleys l2 andI3, selectively,depending upon the direction of rotation of the shaft.

Secured to the shaft 65 is a bevel gear 83 in meshed engagement with abevel gear 84 secured to a shaft 85 journaled within the bearings 86, 81and 88, Fig. 3. The bearing 66 is secured as by the screws 39 to thesupport 66. The support 25 on the casing I l and the shelf 24 of thecasing are provided with suitable apertures within which the shaft 85 isrotatably disposed. Thesupport 25, it will be noted, may be securedtothe shelf 24 in any convenient manner as by the bolts 9|. Supported bya pair of the bolts 9| is a light refleeting member 92 having a flatsurface 93 adapted to reflect the rays of light from the projector ontothe projection screen I 4.

Supported as by the bracket 94 secured to the plate I9 by the bolts 95is a reversible electric motor 96 having a bevel gear 91 thereon inengagement with the complementary gear 98 secured to the shaft 5|. Themotor 96 is preferably a low-speed motor of the reversible type and may,if desired, comprise a plurality of reduction gears whereby the filmfeed roller H rotates at a safe speed as the motor operates. The lowerend of, the shaft 85 is formed into or provided with a worm. gear 99 inmeshed engagement with the worm wheel III, the worm wheel being securedmember II2 as by the spring II". The member III is secured to a tubularshaft II3 journaled within the support II4. There is also secured to thetubular shaft 3 a stop member II3 comprising an arm II3 adapted toengage a stop pin III slideably arranged within a slotted portion ill inthe bracket H3 and in the support II4 respectively, of sumcient lengthsuch that the stop member H3 is adapted to make one full revolutionbefore being arrested by the stop pin I".

There is also secured to the tubular shaft II3 a selector arm I2I havinga switch operating pin I22 secured thereto near the outer end thereof,the outer end of the arm being oifset as at I23 andprovided with a camsurface I24, adapted to engage the insulated member I23 and move tion ofmovement of the selector arm, the contact springs remaining disengagedas the film comes to rest with the selected frame thereof in the displayposition.

The motor speed control switch comprising the contact springs I26 andI21 is adapted to shut the resistor I23 connected thereto at all timeswhen the insulated cam follower I23 is not engaged by the cam I24. Thecontact springs I23 and I21 are supported by an L-shaped bracket I23secured as by the bolts I3I to an arm I32 projecting outwardly from ahub I33 and preferably formed integrally therewith, the hub beingcomposed of insulating material suitable for the purpose such, forexample, as Bakelite. hard rubber or the like.

The bracket I23 has secured thereto as by the nut I3I, Fig. 11, a3-position triple pole motor control toggle switch I34 having a switchactuating element comprising a bifurcated member I33 adapted to beengaged by the pin I22 in respons to relative movement between theselector arm I2I and the arm I32 and move the switch contact elements toany of the three switch positions. There is also formed on the hub I33,and preferably integrally therewith, a counterweight I33 adapted tocounterbalance the arm I32 and .the switching equipment controlledthereby.

There is also formed on the hub I33, five contact rings, CI, C2, C3, C4and C3, Figs. 2, and 14, provided with terminals TI, T2, T3, T4 and T3,respectively connected thereto for establishing an external connectionbetween each" of the contact rings and the circuit controlling equipmentsecured to the arm I32. shaped mounting strip I31 as by the screws I33are a plurality of contact springs or brushes, BI, B2, B3, B4 and B3,adapted to be maintained in continuous contact with the contact rings CIthrough C3 respectively, when the block I3! is secured to the bearingsupp rt I33 by the screws I. The brushes Bl through B4 are provided withconductors for establishing electrical connections between the brushesand the motor 33 and the brush B3 is provided with a conductor forestablishing an electrical connection to the push button start switchI42, Fig. 14.

The hub I33 is secured in any suitable manner to the tubular shaft I43,disposed about the shaft H3 and rotatable with respect thereto.

The shaft I43 is journaled within a bearing support I33 secured to theplate I3 as by the bolts I43. There is also secured to the shaft I43 aselector dial I43 composed of transparent or opaque material such, forexample, as Lucite,

and adapted to be rotated within a circular aperture I41 within thepanel portion I3 of the easing II. The dial is preferably provided withan annular insert I43 adapted to be frictionally engaged by a plungerI43, Fig. '2, slideably disposed within a tubular member I3I, secured tothe support I33 as by the nut I32. The friction between the plunger I43and the member I43 is controlled by a spring I33 arranged within thetubular member IN and the adjusting screw I34 and is sufficient toprevent fortuitous rotative movement of the selector dial during aselecting operation of the device but is insuflicient to preventaccurate manual operation of the dial to any selecting position thereof.

There is provided about the outer portion of .the dial a plurality oiuniformly spaced scale divisions corresponding respectively tosuccessive frames of the microfilm and aplurality of scale markingstherefor, preferably 1000 such divisions being convenientlyarranged onthe scale with the division 1000 coinciding with the 0 marking thereon.There is also provided a. cylindrical magnifying lens I33 arrangedwithin the support I33 secured to the panel I3 as by the screws I31 andhaving a reference line I38 with which any of the scale divisions on thedial corresponding to frames to be selected may be brought intosubstantial alignment, the setting of the dial in a selected positionbeing facilitated by reason of the magnification of the scale divisionsand the scale markings adjacent the reference line I33.

The adjustmentof the dial is further faciltated by the provision of adial lamp I53 in alignment with the cylindrical lens I33 and arrangedimmediately behind that portion of the dial covered bythe lens.

Within the tubular shaft H3 is arranged a plunger or rod I6I having anenlarged end or Secured to an L- head I32 thereon adapted to engage theslideable clutch member I33 and disengage the clutch as the plunger ismoved inwardly. The opposite end of the plunger I3I is secured to aclutch release knob I63 in splined engagement as at I64 with the tubularshaft H3. The tubular shaft II 3 and the selector arm' I 2| securedthereto may be rotated by the knob I33 to the initial starting positionfrom any moved position thereof while the knob is pressed inwardlysumciently to disengage the clutch, in which starting position the shaftII 3 is arrested by. the arm II6 coming into contact with the stop pinIll and moving the stop pin to the limit of its travel within theslotted portions II3 of the support H4 and bracket I I9 respectively.

There is also provided a shaft I65 journaled at one end thereof to anupstanding portion of the housing I33, Fig. 3, and at the opposite endthereof within the bearing member I66 secured to the casing II as by thescrews I61 and clamping member I63. The shaft is provided at the acmeouter end thereof with a crank 889 and at the inner end with a bevelledgear fill adapted to engage a complementary gear M2 secured to the shaft85 as the crank is moved inwardly from an initial position to an engagedposition. The shaft is also provided with a pair of annular recessedportions I13 adapted to he engaged by a plunger I14 slideably arrangedwithin the housing I83 and urged against the shaft by a spring I75 and aretaining screw HE, Fie- An rangement is thus provided in which theselected frame may be adjusted, if desired, to cause the enlarged imagethereof to appear at any desired portion of the projection screen 54 andprovide a convenient arrangement for moving consecu tive frames insuccessive order to the display position, it being merely necessary topress the crank I69 inwardly suilicient to cause engagement of the gearsill and 412 to establish a manual control connection to the film. Theplunger H4 and the grooves I13 maintain the gears ill and I12 eitherengaged or disengaged, as the case may be, for as long a time asdesired.

The push button start switch 182 comprises a cylindrical mounting 5171?,Fig. .5, secured to the panel I3 in any well known manner as by the nutI18. Slideably arranged within the mounting Ill is a plunger E79 adaptedto move the contact spring l8I into engagement with a contact spring I88as the plunger is moved inwardly in response to digital pressure appliedto the push button E83. The plunger is normally urged to an outwardrelease position by a spring me. When moved inwardly to a contactclosing position, however, the plunger is maintained operated by currentflowing through the winding I85 until the motor operating circuit hasbeen interrupted as the selected frame moves into the display position.When this occurs the plunger is restored to an unopcrated position bythe spring I84. Closure of contacts I8I and 32 causes the lamp I88secured to the panel 3 to be lighted as an indication that a frameselecting operation is in progress. There is also provided on the panelI3 a toggle switch I81 having an on position and an off position andadapted to connect the selector projector device to a source ofelectrical power when the switch is actuated to the 011" position, theelectrical connection between the device and the source of power beingpreferably established by the conductors within the cable I88 and theplug I89.

The operation of the projector selector will now be described. Let it beassumed, by way of example, that it is desired to select for projectionand display, frame 250 from a microfilm having 1,000 frames wound on thereel 31 and let it further be assumed that the plug 89 is connected to asource of power. The switch I8! is now moved to the on or closedposition thereby causing the dial lamp I59 and the projector lamp 32 tolight, Fig. 14.

The film guide arm 49 is locked to the open position by the cam. memberGI and the microfilm is threaded into the machine and the end thereofsecured to the reel 38 substantially as shown in Fig. 4. Cam member SIis moved upwardly thereby causing the film guide arm 49 to be moved tothe closed position by spring 52 and thus maintain the film in apredetermined focused position with respect to the projector. The reels3'! and 38 are now manipulated sufficiently to bring the frame of themicrofilm into the display position beneath the aperture 41 of the filmsupport 46 or, if desired, the adjustment of the film with the 8 framein the display position may be efiectedby means of the crank I69. In theevent that the crank is employed for this purpose, the crank should bewithdrawn axially after adjustment of the film sufficiently to disengagethe gears ill and I12.

The knob N3 is now pressed inwardly sulficiently to disengage the clutchmembers I08 and M2 and the knob is rotated clockwise until arrested bythe stop pin Ill. The knob I63 is now released, thereby causing theclutch members to be engaged with the selector arm PM in an initialstarting position corresponding to the instant setting of the 0 frame ofthe microfilm in the display position. The selector dial is now moved toposition 259 with the scale marking 258 thereof in alignment with thereference line 858. The device is now set to select frame 250 of themicrofilm.

As the selector dial was moved to position 250 the arm I32 controlledthereby was moved to the position shown on Fig. 12 and the bifurcatedmember I35 of the switch I34 secured thereto was also moved into theposition shown on Fig. 12. The switch operating pin I22 mounted on theselector arm I2! will be in the position shown in the solid outline,Fig. 12, for the reason that the selector arm i2l, it will be recalled,is in the initial operating position. v

The push button 883 of the switch I42 is now momentarily depressedthereby causing the lamp 886 to light as an indication that a selectingcycle of operations has been initiated. The operation of the selectingsystem will best be understood by consideration of Fig. 14 on which isshown in diagrammatic form the various circuits and electrical apparatuscomprising the ,electrical control system. As the contacts HI and I82are closed in response to the operation of push button I83 a circuit iscompleted from the source of power by way of conductor I9I to contactsI82 and l8I, winding I85 of the switch I42, conductor I92, brush B5 andring C5, contacts I21 and I28 of the motor speed control switch,conductor I93, arm 3 and contact 2 of the motor control switch I34,conductor I94, contact ring C4 and brush B4, field winding F of themotor 96, brush B3 and contact ring C3, conductor I95, contact 2 and arm2 of switch I34, conductor I96, contact ring CI and brush BI, conductorI01, switch I81 and conductor I98 to the source of power. A circuit isalso closed from conductor I93 by way of arm I and contact 2 of switchI34, conductor I99, contact ring 02 and brush B2, conductor 2III, toarmature A of the motor 96 and thence to conductor I97, therebyenergizing winding I85 of switch E42 and causing contacts I8I and I82thereof to remain closed after the pressure on the push button I83 hasbeen ,removed. The motor 96 is set into operation over the circuit justdescribed in a direction to cause the film feed roller II to unwind thefilm from the reel 31. As the motor starts to rotate, the clutch memberI8 is brought into operative engagement with pulley 13 thereby removingthe driving connection between the shaft 65 and pulley I2, and lockingpulley 13 to the shaft 65, whereby a driving force is applied to thereel 38 by way of the belt 15 sufficient to wind the microfilm on thereel 38 and maintain the microfilm in a taut condition between the feedroller and the reel 38. The reel 31, it will be recalled, is operativelyconnected to a drum 4| against which friction is continuously applied bythe spring 42 and thus an excess of film is prevented from being unwoundfrom the reel 31 while the film is being withdrawn therefrom by the filmfeed roller II. An arrangement is thus provided in which the length offilm unwound from the reel 31 is metered by the feed roller and isproportioned to the extent of angular movement of the selector arm I2I.

When the selector arm I2I has moved from the initial position thereofthrough an angle corresponding substantially to the length of filmcomprising 225 consecutive frames, the cam member I24 engages theinsulated member I26 sufficiently to move contact spring I28 out ofengagement with contact spring I21 thereby removing a short circuitacross the resistor I28. when this occurs the motor speed is reducedsufficiently to prevent overthrow of the selected frame beyond thedisplay position thereof when the motor circuit is interrupted.

As the selected frame of the microfilm is about to move into the displayposition thereof, the selector arm I2I is moved ahead suihciently forthe switch operating pin I22 thereof to engage the forked member I35 ofthe toggle switch I34 and cause the switch arms thereof to be disengagedfrom their contacts 2 thereby interrupting the circuit to the motor andcausing the start switch I42 to release. As contact I82 moves away fromcontact I8I of the start switch the operating circuit to the lamp I86 isinterrupted and the lamp is extinguished. The motor now comes to restwith the selected frame 250 in the display position and the pin I22 insubstantial alignment with the fork member I35 of the switch I34, Fig.13.

Let it now be assumed, for the purpose of description, that the operatordesires to select frame 139 for display. The selection dial I46 is no'wmoved to position I38 and the start button I42 is operated. As theselector dial moves away from 40 thereby causing the fork member I35 tobe moveddownwardly and the arms of switch I34 to be moved intoengagement with their respective contacts I. As the selector dial movespast position 225 the cam I24 is disengaged from the insulated memberI25 thereby causing contact spring I26 to be moved into engagement withcontact spring I21 and short circuit resistor I28.

The operation of start switch I 42 causes the lamp I86 to light andclose a circuit from power on conductor I83 by way of arm 3 and contactI of switch I34, conductor I85, contact ring C3 and brush B3, field F ofthe motor, brush B4 and contact ring C4, conductor I84, contact I andarm 2 of switch I34, conductor I86, contact ring CI and brush BI, fromwhence the circuit is completed The reel 38 is now operated reversely bythe iilm, excessive travel of the reel 88 being prevented by the drum Hand spring 42 associated therewith. As the frame 164 moves past thedisplay position, the contact springs I21 and I28 of the motor speedcontrol switch are disconnected, thereby removing the shunt from theresistor I28 and reducing the speed of the motor. As frame 139 movesinto the display positionthe arms of switch I24 are disengaged fromtheir contacts I thereby releasing switch I42, extinguishing lamp I88and bringing the motor to rest with the selected frame 139 in thedisplay position.

Let it now be assumed that the operator desires to select frame 140.This may be best accomplished by moving the crank I68 inwardly such thatgears III and I12 are in mesh, and rotating the crank in the properdirection to bring frame 140 into full view on the projector screen. Thecrank is now withdrawn sufficiently to disengage gears III and II2,

Let it now be assumed that the operator desires to select frame 615 forprojection and inspection. The selector dial is moved to position 6I5and the start switch I42 is operated. As the selector dial is moved awayfrom position I38 in the assumed example, the arms in switch-I34 aremoved into engagement with their contacts 2 and as the selector dialpasses position I65 contacts I26 and I2! are engaged, thereby shortingthe resistor I28. The operation of the start switch causes the motor tooperate in a direction to transfer the microfilm from reel 31 to reel38. As the feed roller shaft 65 starts to rotate the clutch member I8 isdis- 35 engaged from pulley I2 and brought into engagement with pulleyI3 thereby driving the reel 38 by means of the belt I5 sufficiently tomaintain the microfilm between the feed roller and the reel 38 in a tautcondition.

As frame 590 moves past the display position, contacts I28 and I2! aredisengaged thereby removing the shunt from resistor I28 and reducing thespeed of the motor. As the selected frame 615 moves into the displayposition the arms of switch I34 are disengaged from their respectivecontacts 2, thereby releasing switch I42, extinguishing lamp I86 andbringing the motor to rest with the selected frame 615 in the displayposition.

When it is desired to rewind the film on reel 31, the selector switch ismoved in a clockwise direction to position 8 and the start switch I42 isoperated, thereby lighting the lamp I88 and causing the motor to run ina direction to rewind the film on reel'3I. As shaft starts to rotate theclutch member I8 is disengaged from pulley I3 and brought into operativeengagement with pulley I2, thereby applying a rewinding force to the topower on conductor I81 thereby reversing the motor field connectionsbetween conductors I82 and I81. The connections between the armature Aof the motor and conductors I82 and I81, however, are not reversed, forthe reason that contacts I and 2 of arm I of switch I34 are electricallyconnected together. The motor operates in a reverse direction over thecircuit just traced, thereby causing the film feed roller to rotate in adirection to rewind the microfilm on reel 31 and the selector arm I2I ismoved in a clockwise direction concurrently therewith. The reversal ofthe shaft 65 causes the clutch member I8 to be disengaged from pulley I3and brought into engagement with pulley I2 thereby applying a drivingforce to the reel 31 by means of the belt I4, in a direction to rewindthe film on the reel 31.

reel'3I by means of belt I4. As frame 25 moves past the display positionduring the rewinding operation, the contactsi 26 and I2I are disengaged,thereby removing the shunt from resistor .I28 and reducing the speed ofthe motor. As

frame 0 moves into the display position the arms of switch I34 aredisengaged from their contacts I, thereby releasing switch I42,extinguishing lamp I88 and bringing the motor to rest with the 0 frameopposite the display position.

Whereas, the preferred embodiment of the invention has been describedwith reference to a projecting and selecting device adapted to selectany. desired frame from a film of 1,000 frames or less, it will beunderstood that this has been done merely for the purpose of descriptionand that the device may be adapted to select frames desirable to effecta quick and accurate selection of a desired frame appearing on themicrofilm.

Whereas, also, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention the filmis metered by a film feed roller in frictional engagement with the film,it will, of course, be understood that, if desired, the feed wheel orroller may be provided with teeth adapted to co-act with perforations inthe film without'relying upon the frictional characteristic of the filmfeed wheel to meter the film.

Briefly stated, the present invention contemplates the provision of aselecting device particularly adapted to select a desired portion of amicrofilm for inspection of an enlarged projected image thereof in whichthe desired portion of the film is identified by a frame correspondingto intelligence of numeral significance adapted to be pre-set on aselector and in which the selectin operation is automatically controlledfrom the selection information thus set up. Furthermore, the device ofthe present invention is adapted to operate the film selectively ineither direction from any setting thereof to a new setting and torestore the film to a wound condition on the reel when all of theselected frames have been inspected.

Whereas the inventionhas gives satisfactory results, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art, after understanding theinvention, that various changes and modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is ourintention, therefore, in the appended claims to cover all such changesand modifications.

The invention herein described and claimed may be manufactured and, usedby or for the Government of the United States of America forgovernmental purposes without payment of any royalties thereon ortherefor.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent ofthe United States is:

1. In a device of the character disclosed for selecting a desired frameof a film for display, a reel having a, length of film wound thereon, aprojector, a second reel on which the film is adapted to be wound, meansfor guiding the film in display relation through said projector as thefilm travels from one to other of said reels, film driving meansincluding a motor, a selector. arm operatively connected to said motorand adapted to move rotatably through an angle corresponding to thelength of film transferred from one to the other of said reels, motorcontrol means, means settable at will for moving the motor control meansto a setting corresponding to a particular frame on said film to beselected, and means on said arm adapted to coact with said motor controlmeans and bring themotor to rest with the selected frame of the film ina display position with respect to said projector as the selector armmoves to a position corresponding to the instant setting of said motorcontrol means.

been described with reference to a particular example thereof which 2.In a device of the character disclosed for selecting a desired frame ofa film for display, a reel having a length of film wound-thereon, aprojector, a second reel on which the film is adapted to be wound, meansfor guiding the film in display relation to said projector as the filmtravels from one to the other of said reels, film driving meansincluding a reversible motor, a selector arm operatively connected tosaid motor and adapted to move rotatably in either direction through anangle corresponding to the length of film transferred from oneto theother of said reels, motor control and reversing means, rotatable frameselecting means settable at will in either direction from a,predetermined setting to a desired setting for moving the motor controlmeans to a setting corresponding to a particular frame on said film tobe selected, and means on said arm adapted to co-act with said motorcontrol means and bring the motor to rest with the selected frame of thefilm in a display position with respect to said projector as theselector arm moves in either direction to'a position corresponding tothe instant setting of said motor control means.

3. In a device of the character disclosed for selecting a, desired frameof a film for display, a reel having a length of film wound thereon, aprojector, .a second reel on which the film is adapted to be wound,means for guiding the film in display relation to said projector as thefim ,travels from one to the other of said reels, film driving meansincluding a reversible motor, a

selector arm operatively connected to said motor and adapted to mover'otatably in either direction through an angle corresponding to thelength of film transferred from one to the other of said reels, motorcontrol and reversing means, a frame selecting device rotatable at willin either direction from a predetermined setting to a desired setting,means on said frame selecting device for moving the motor control andreversing means to a setting corresponding to a particular frame on thefilm to be selected, and means on said arm adapted to co-act with saidmotor control and reversing meansnnd control the direction of rotationof said motor selectively in accordance with the direction of movementof the frame selecting device from said predetermined setting.

4.-In a device of the character disclosed for selecting a desired frameof a filmfor display, a reel having a length-of film wound thereon, aprojector, 13, second reel on which the film is adapted to be wound,means for guiding the film in display relation to said projector as thefilm travels from one to the other of said'reels, film driving meansincluding 'a reversible motor, a

selector arm operatively connected to said motor and adapted to moverotatably in either direc- 'arm adapted to co-act with said motorcontrol and reversing means and control the direction of rotation ofsaid motor selectively in accordance with the direction of movement ofthe frame selecting device from said predetermined'setting, and meansfor bringing the motor to rest with the selected frame in a displayposition with respect to said projector as the selector ar m moves to aposition corresponding to the instant setting of motor for moving thefilm selectively in either direction past a display position within saidprojector, a selector arm operatively and releasibly connected tosaid-film actuating means and rotatable concurrently therewith,manipulative means for momentarily disconnecting the selector arm fromsaid film actuating means, means on said manipulative means adapted tomove the selector arm to a predetermined initial position correspondingto a predetermined record of said film disposed in said display positionwhile the arm is disconnected from said film actuating means, a controldial having a plurality of scale divisions and indicia thereforcorresponding respectively to said records, means including a referenceline in proximate spaced relation to said scale divisions for indicatingthe settings of said dial, a motor control device adapted to be moved bysaid dial to different settings corresponding respectively to thesettings of the dial, and means on said selector arm adapted to engagesaid motor control device when the arm has moved from said initialposition into predetermined spaced relation with respect thereto andthereby stop the motor with a selected record in said display position,said selected record corresponding to the instant setting of the dial.

6. In a microfilm selecting and display device, in combination, a pairof reels having a continuous strip of microfilm wound thereon, means forsupporting said reels for rotation in predeter- I mined spaced relation;a pair of pulleys respec-- tively connected to each of said reels andhaving a pair of belts respectively engaged therewith, a rotatable shafthaving a pair of pulleys rotatably mounted thereon and in engagementwith said belts respectively, means including a motor for operating saidshaft selectively in either direction, a clutch on said shaft adapted toengage said last named pair of pulleys selectively in accordance withthe direction of rotation of the shaft thereby to transfer a length offilm from either one to the other of said reels, a selector armoperatively con nected to said motor and rotatable in either directionthereby, a dial having an initial setting and adapted to be moved ineither direction from a moved setting to another moved settingcorresponding to a predetermined record on said microfilm, a motorreversing switch adapted to be moved to different settings by said dialand having a switch actuating element for controlling the direction ofrotation of the said motor and for stopping the motor when theactuatingelement is in a predetermined position, means on said arm adapted toengage said actuating element and move the actuating element to saidpredetermined position when the arm has been moved to a posi-,

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'motor, a selector arm operatively connected to said motor and adaptedto be rotated thereby while said film is being actuated, a selector dialsettable at will to difi'erent settings corresponding respectively todifferent portions of the microfilm to be selected, a motor operatingcircuit, motor reversing and stopping means included in said operatingcircuit and adapted to be moved by said tion of said microfilmcorresponding to the instant setting of the selector dial in a displayposition, and means controlled by said arm for reducing the speed of themotor when the arm has moved into predetermined spaced relation withrespect to the motor reversing and stopping means prior to theinterruption of said motor 'operating circuit.

8. In a device for selecting a desired frame of a microfilm for thedisplay of an enlarged image thereof, in combination, a projector, meansincluding a motor for moving the film across said projector, a source ofelectrical power, an operating circuit for said motor to said source ofpower, interrupting means for said circuit selectively settable'at willto a plurality of moved positions corresponding respectively to theframes to be displayed in a display position before the projector, aframe selector actuated by the motor and having means for operating saidinterrupting means as the selected frame moves into said displayposition, a push button start switch having a pair of normallydisengaged contacts included in said operating circuit and adapted tostart the motor asthe contacts are closed, and means including a windingon said start switch and included'in said operating circuit formaintaining the switch contacts closed after the push button has beenreleased and until the circuit is interrupted by said circuitinterrupting means.

9. In a device of the character disclosed for selectingga desired frameof a microfilm for display, microfilm actuating means including amotor,- a

-- selector arm adapted to be actuated by said motor to differentpositions corresponding to the degree of movement of said microfilm froma prior setting, manipulative means for momentarily disconnecting thearm from said microfilm actuating means and for moving the arm to apredetermined initial setting corresponding to the first frame of themicrofilm, a dial settableat will to different settings correspondingrespectively to different frames to be selected, a. motor operatingcircuit, motor control means adapted to be actuated by said dial todifferent positions respectively corresponding to said dial. settings,said motor control means comprising a pair of normally closed circuitclosing contacts included within said motor operating circuit andadapted to be disengaged by the arm as the arm moves to a positioncorresponding to the instant setting of said dial, and means formaintaining the dial in any setting thereof.

10. In a device of the character disclosed for selecting a desired frameof a film for display, a projector, means including a motor for causingthe film to move through said projector, a selector ,arm operativelyconnected to said motor and adapted to be moved thereby rotativelythrough anangle corresponding to the length of film moved through .theprojector, motor control means, means settable at will for moving themotor control means to a setting corresponding to a particular frame onsaid film to be selected, and means on said arm adapted to co-act withsaid motor control means and bring the motor to rest with the selectedframe of the film in a display position with respect to said projectoras the selector arm moves to a position corresponding to the instantsetting of said motor control means. 11. In a device of the characterdisclosed for selecting a desired frame of a film for display, aprojector, film driving means including a reversible motor for causingthe film to move in either direction in display relation to saidprojector; a selector arm operatively connected to said motor andadapted to be moved thereby rotatively in either direction through anangle corresponding to the length of film moved past the projector,motor control and reversing-means, a frame selecting device rotatable atwill in either direction from a predetermined setting to a desiredsetting, means on said frame selecting device for moving the motorcontrol and reversing means to a setting corresponding to a particularframe on the film to be selected, and means on said arm adapted toco-act with said motor control and reversing means and control thedirection of rotation of said motor selectively in accordance withthe-direction of movement of the frame selecting device from saidpredetermined setting.

12. In a selecting apparatus for a microfilm having a plurality ofrecords thereon, in combinament of the first member from the initialsetting to said moved setting as the motor operates. means actuated bythe motor for moving the records in successive order past a displayposition as the motor operates, and record metering means adapted to beoperated by the motor in accordance with the amount of follow-upmovement required to move said other of the members into said movedsetting for bringing the selected record into said display position.

14. In a record selecting device of the character disclosed, thecombination of a pair of members independently rotatable in eitherdirection about a common axis from an initial common setting thereof,means settable at will for moving one of the members from said initialsetting to a pre. determined moved setting corresponding to a record tobe selected, a pair of switches carried by said one of the members, afirst means arranged on the other of said members for maintaining saidpair of switches open when both members are set in a common setting andadaptedto close the switches selectively in accordance with thedirection of movement of the first member away tion, a projector,actuating means including a motor for moving the film selectively ineither direction past a display position within said projector, aselector arm operatively and rcleasibly connected to said film actuatingmeans and r0. tatable concurrently therewith, manipulative means formomentarily disconnecting the selector arm from said film actuatingmeans, said manipulating means being adapted to move the selector 'armto a predetermined initial position while the arm is disconnected fromsaid film actuating means, a control dial settable to difierent settingsrespectively corresponding to said records, a motor control deviceadapted to be moved by said dial to different settings correspondingrespectively to the settings of the dlaL'and means on said selector armadapted toengage said motor control device when the arm has moved fromsaid initial position into predetermined spaced relation with respectthereto and thereby stop the motor with a selected record in saiddisplay position.

13, In a record selecting device of the character disclosed, thecombination of a pair of members independently rotatable in eitherdirection about a common axis from an initial common setting thereof,means settable at will for moving one of the members from said initialsetting to a predetermined moved setting corresponding to a record to beselected, a plurality of switches carried by said one of the members,means arranged on the other of said members for maintaining the switchesopen when both members are set in a common setting and adapted to closethe switches selectively in accordance with the direction of movement ofthe first member away from a common setting, a reversible motor,operative driving connections between the motor andv said other of themembers, a circuit including said switches and adapted to operate themotor in a direction controlled by the closed one of said switcheswhereby the other member is caused to follow the movefrom a commonsetting, a reversible motor, operative driving connections between themotor and said other of the members, first and second cir cuits eachincluding said pair of switches and adapted to operate the motor at highand low speeds respectively in a direction controlled by theclosed oneof said pair of switches whereby the other member is caused to followthe movement of the first member from the initial setting to said movedsetting as the motor operates, switch means carried by said one of themembers for transferring control of the motor between said first andsecond circuitsas theswitch means operates, a second means arranged onthe other of said members for operating said switch means as the membersmove into predetermined angular spaced relation with respect to eachother, means actuated by the motor for moving the records in successiveorder past a display position as the motor operates, record meteringmeans, and operative driving connections between said metering means andthe motor for operating the metering means thereby as the motor operatesin ac-- cordance with the amount of follow-up movement requiredto movesaid other of the members into said moved setting thereby to bring theselected record into said display position,

15. In a record selecting. device of the character disclosed, thecombination of a pair of members independently rotatable in eitherdirection about a common axis from an initial common setting thereof,means settable at will for moving one of the members from said initialsetting to a pre-- determined moved setting corresponding to a record tobe selected, a pair of switches carried by said one of the members, afirst means arranged on the other of said members for maintaining saidpair of switches open when both members are set in a common setting andadapted 'to close the switches selectively in accordance with thedirection of movement of the first member away from a common setting, areversible motor, operative driving connections between the motor andsaid other of the members, a circuit including said pair of switches andadapted to operate the motor in a direction controlled by the closed oneof said pair of switches whereby the other member is caused to followthe movement of the first member from the initial setting to said movedsetting as the motor operates, a resistance element in said circuit forcausing the motor to l7 operate at a low speed, normally closed switchmeans carried by said one or the members and shunted across said elementwhereby the motor is caused to operate at a high speed when the switchmeans is closed, a second means arranged on the other of said membersfor opening said normally closed switch means when the other member hasmoved into predetermined angular spaced relation with respect to saidone of the members prior to the interruption or said circuit as theclosed one of said switches opens, means actuated by the motor formoving the records in successive order past a display position as themotor operates, and record metering means operatively connected to themotor and adapted to be operated thereby as the motor operates inaccordance with the amount of follow-up movement required to move saidother of the members into said moved setting for bringing the selectedrecord into said display position. 1

ROBERT C. DUNCAN. RAYMOND M. HICKS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS

